Bed Bug

Human dwellings, particularly in mattresses, bed frames, furniture seams, baseboards, and cracks in walls.

Obligate hematophage; feeds exclusively on blood, primarily from humans, but can feed on other warm-blooded animals.

Nocturnal and highly elusive; hides in tiny crevices during the day and emerges at night attracted by body heat and carbon dioxide. Undergoes incomplete metamorphosis with five nymphal stages requiring blood meals to molt.

Risks: Significant household pest causing itchy, red bite welts, allergic reactions, secondary skin infections from scratching, sleep disturbance, and severe anxiety/stress. They do not efficiently transmit blood-borne diseases to humans. Benefits: None in indoor or human environments.